FAU Harbor Branch Names Shirley Pomponi Faculty Emeritus

Shirley Pomponi, Ph.D., was recently awarded Faculty Emeritus status in recognition of her many years of service, scholarship and commitment to Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Over the course of her decades-long career, she made groundbreaking contributions to research, education, and mentorship, helping shape both the institute and the people within it.

An ocean explorer, aquanaut and marine biotechnologist, Pomponi's research took her deep into the sea in search of marine natural products that held the potential for treatments of some of the world's most challenging diseases. She has broken barriers and set standards for the collection of marine invertebrate specimens and development of crucial marine invertebrate cell lines and drug discovery. These marine invertebrate specimens led to pivotal scientific discoveries and achievements to include development of the first immortalized marine invertebrate (sponge) cell lines, and drug discovery of bioactive sponge metabolites supporting the chemical, pharmaceutical and medical industries.

Pomponi's many accolades include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for In Vitro Biology and induction into the National Academy of Inventors and the Women Divers Hall of Fame.

This latest recognition as Faculty Emeritus reflects not only her research and academic achievements, but also the impact she had on students and colleagues through her dedication and leadership.